Derby hailed as restaurant hot-bed as influx of outlets expected in months ahead

An influx of foodservice operators in and around Derby’s Friar Gate has boosted the city’s business and it expects to see a continuing trend in 2017.

The area already features brands such as Las Iguanas, The Friary, Mosh, Distillery, Spice Lounge, Pitcher and Piano, Bistrot Pierre, Fat Cat, Zizzi, and Prezzo.

Restaurants La Pizza, Terroir Bistro and Oliver’s all opened last year. According to the Derby Telegraph, a business expert said the trend will continue into 2017 with more venues set to open.

Tom Erskine of Marketing Derby told the newspaper: “2016 has been a great year for Friar Gate, with a large number of new venues opening including cafes, bars and restaurants.”

“Key to the ‘new Friar Gate’ has been a focus on quality, whether it is the mezzalunas (a type of flatbread) at Oliver’s, the cocktails at Orange Tree, or the craft beers at Suds and Soda. This trend will continue into 2017, as more businesses open, but it is fantastic to see Friar Gate become somewhere that is at the heart of Derby’s food and drink scene, offering plenty of choice for customers across the city.”